St. Bonaventure University

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MSEd In Educational Leadership


This 30-credit hour degree is designed for elementary and secondary teachers or counselors seeking positions as school building administrators at some time in their careers (additional courses are required for district level certification).

The future of educational leadership


Transformational change in a school begins with one person. Through St. Bonaventure’s Educational Leadership (EDL) program, that one person is you.    

At St. Bonaventure, we understand that our world needs school and district leaders who are trained in critical reflection and are dedicated to improving opportunities for all students. Our program is more than a certificate or advanced degree – we empower future leaders through critical inquiry, reflection and dynamic leadership strategies.  

We offer three school leadership programs to help you lead your school and inspire your students: 

  • M.S.Ed. in Educational Leadership (30 credits)
  • Elevate your career with St. Bonaventure University's M.S.Ed. in Educational Leadership. This online program prepares educators to take on administrative roles in schools and districts. With a curriculum rooted in leadership principles, organizational management, and data-driven decision-making, this degree program equips you to inspire positive change in educational settings. Designed for working professionals, the program offers flexibility and support, allowing you to balance career advancement with personal commitments. Graduates emerge ready to lead with confidence, whether as school administrators, instructional coordinators, or policy advocates, shaping the future of education in diverse learning environments.

  • School Building Leader (SBL) Certificate (24 credits)
  • Take the next step in your educational career with the School Building Leader (SBL) Certificate from St. Bonaventure University. This online program focuses on the essential skills and knowledge needed to lead individual schools effectively. Covering topics like instructional leadership, school operations, and community engagement, this 24-credit certificate program is designed for aspiring principals and school administrators. With a streamlined and flexible format, the program allows you to advance your qualifications while maintaining your professional and personal commitments. Graduates are prepared to meet certification requirements and excel as visionary leaders in today’s educational landscape.

  • School District Leader (SDL) Certificate (12 credits)
  • Position yourself for district-level leadership roles with St. Bonaventure University's School District Leader (SDL) Certificate. This online program is tailored for experienced educators aiming to oversee and enhance entire school systems. In just 12 credits, you’ll explore critical areas such as strategic planning, resource allocation, and educational policy, preparing you to address complex challenges in education. The program’s flexible design fits seamlessly into your busy schedule, enabling you to earn a certificate while continuing your professional work. Graduates leave equipped to impact education on a broader scale, driving excellence and equity across districts.

Fully online format


Courses are fully online, with opportunities to connect with your professor and class members virtually.

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    With professional development more important than ever, CPRC launches this year’s EDGE program

    Aug 17, 2020

    Students and alumni chat at Bonnies4Bonnies.
    Register now to ensure your spot in the 2020-21 program

    Staff in the Career and Professional Readiness Center (CPRC) are always looking for ways to give SBU students an edge when it comes to preparing them for employment and graduate school.

    That’s why they’re gearing up for the sixth year of the Competitive Edge Certificate (The EDGE) program. The EDGE provides participating sophomores, juniors, and seniors the opportunity to develop professional skills sought by employers and graduate schools. Professional development and marketability are even more important due to the COVID 19 pandemic.

    During the 2020-21 academic year, students will participate in a diverse series of six in-person or virtual seminars with a focus on the new normal in these times of uncertainty. Topics for the seminars include self-awareness, professionalism and multigenerational workplace, networking, personal branding and marketing, virtual interviewing, virtual internship and career fairs, and diversity and inclusion.

    The program also plans to bring back the successful EDGE Certificate with Distinction. Students who complete the six seminars as well as four skill development items will receive this distinction. The skill development credentials include completing a CPRC-approved résumé, cover letter, LinkedIn profile, elevator pitch, business cards, practice interview and professional networking event.

    Online registration for The EDGE opens today (Aug. 17) and closes Friday, Sept. 4, at my.sbu.edu/studentservices/cprc. Space in the program is limited. Early registration is strongly encouraged. The first seminar is planned for Monday, Sept. 8.

    “Preparing our students for their next steps after leaving SBU to ensure that they are more confident and marketable has always been at the core of why we do the EDGE Program,” said Assistant Dean for Student Development Pamela Ferman. “Going into this year, we have examined the current trends of hiring and recruiting in this uncertain employment landscape and will be bringing these topics to our students. If there were ever a time to see the importance of professional development – it’s now.”

    Last year, 100 students completed requirements for The EDGE and Distinction programs. EDGE participants found the seminar sessions and skill development options flexible and resourceful.

    Julianna Misenheimer, a sport studies major who pursued The EDGE with Distinction path, said the program provided a lot of insight and advice surrounding professionalism in interviews, application processes, and the workforce in general. The new skills Misenheimer developed make her feel well informed and well prepared for her professional life after Bona’s.

    “The information offered in the seminars, labs, and one-on-one meetings was priceless as this particular knowledge is usually overlooked and often goes unaddressed. You are given the chance to practice your interview skills in a comfortable setting, perfect your elevator pitch, and get a step ahead of your peers with personalized business cards,” she said.

    Chandler Poczciwinski, a senior accounting major, attributes the EDGE program with helping him land his dream internship in California.

    “The EDGE program provided the professional skills I needed to confidently communicate with the large accounting firms,” Poczciwinski said.

    Students who complete all program requirements by April 2021 will receive a certificate and a letter of achievement from the president of the university. Distinction completers receive a graduation stole. (It is unknown at this time whether an end-of-the year reception will be permitted.)

    Learn more about The EDGE and other professional development opportunities offered by the CPRC at www.sbu.edu/cprc.